2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was visually indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for the subtle "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This design choice was strategic, as it avoided the quirky aesthetics often associated with hybrid models, which can be polarizing for potential buyers. The Accord Hybrid maintained the sleek and sophisticated look of the standard Accord, appealing to those who appreciated its design. Available in four trim levels—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid offered a range of features and price points, starting at $25,620. The Hybrid EX trim, priced at $29,520, was particularly recommended for its comprehensive driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, along with heated front seats and mirrors.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra embraced a bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles, thanks to Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language. The Z-shaped dent in the doors was a standout feature, intended to break conventional design norms and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra was available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited. Prices ranged from $19,650 to $25,450, excluding destination charges. The interior of the Elantra, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited trims, was modern and upscale, with light gray seats and contrasting trim that elevated the cabin's aesthetic. The Elantra's design and materials offered a contemporary and refined look, making it a visually appealing choice for buyers.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 48 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it achieved 42.6 mpg in its default Economy mode and 44.1 mpg in city and suburban conditions. The hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors, produced 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line, especially in Sport mode, though the eCVT's drone was noticeable during hard acceleration. The car's handling was predictable and composed, with a flat-cornering attitude and natural-feeling regenerative brakes. However, on undulating roads, the suspension occasionally lost composure, though this was only at the car's limits.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, from the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower to the high-performance Elantra N with 276 horsepower. The Elantra SEL, with a CVT, was nimble in urban settings but lacked highway power, achieving 31.4 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Limited Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, delivered 42.2 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating due to mountainous terrain. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, was fun to drive, while the Elantra N, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and advanced features, offered exhilarating performance and handling. The Elantra's various configurations catered to different driving preferences, from efficiency to sportiness.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid offered a spacious interior and trunk, matching the standard Accord's full-size dimensions. The backseat provided excellent thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and USB charging ports, though front-seat track travel was limited for taller drivers. The seats were comfortable, with heating and ventilation available in the Touring trim. The trunk, at 16.7 cubic feet, was larger than competitors, accommodating four full-size suitcases and additional items. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have enhanced utility.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered ample interior space. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort. The rear seat provided best-in-class legroom, though the backrest lacked upper back support. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the Elantra lacked rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports, and the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels was a drawback. Despite these shortcomings, the Elantra's interior was functional and spacious.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, in EX trim or higher, featured a Display Audio infotainment system with a user-friendly interface, large knobs, and clear graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a wireless charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services. HondaLink provided features like Amazon package delivery, a Find My Car function, and remote locking and starting. The Touring trim also included a head-up display, though voice recognition could be improved.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, in SE, SEL, and N Line trims, came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, offering a Mercedes-Benz-like experience. The system included dynamic voice recognition and a Sounds of Nature function. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition was inconsistent, but a Blue Link subscription improved performance. A Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key were available, enhancing the Elantra's technology offerings.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition, and road-departure mitigation. The system was refined, offering smooth and sophisticated operation, particularly with adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. The Accord Hybrid received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the Touring trim earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured SmartSense, Hyundai's ADAS suite, which included forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning system. The Elantra also offered blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Safety upgrades included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist, providing a high level of safety and assistance.